Page 27 of Risky Move

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Amelie invited Cassie to join her for dinner at The Center Ice Lounge. Amelie flashed her fake ID the moment they sat in a booth near the dance floor. Cassie ordered sparkling water and a tapas appetizer. She’d have ordered dinner had she’d known she would spend the evening watching Amelie flirt and dance with a constant stream of different guys. While Amelie danced, Cassie monitored the drinks her friend continually left on the table.Surely, she knows the danger, right? Or is that why Amelie wanted me to go out with her—free ride and someone to make sure no one slips anything into her drinks? She should know better. Rather be home with the twins…

Cassie had many guys approach her—some to chat for a while, others looking for a hook-up. She declined all invitations, even to dance. She’d loved dancing but knew she wouldn’t enjoy herself if she lost track of her friend. Especially with Amelie’s third—or fourth?—drink sitting on the table. She kept an eye on the Suns home game broadcasted on several large screen TVs.

Jenna and Daniel had seemed especially fussy earlier, so Caryn opted to stay home with the twins and had encouraged Cassie to enjoy an evening off. Now she wished she’d gone to the game.Tom’s working for the Suns tonight. I could have seen him if I’d gone with Lauren.

Cassie glanced at the TV as Chance Gagné took the big hit into the boards. She cringed when she watched his head hit the glass and shuddered when two members of the team assisted him off the ice.Holy crap! Wonder if he needs to get checked for a concussion? Is this the first player Tom’s had to evaluate?

When Gagné did not return to the ice at the start of the next period, she sent a text to Lauren.

Cassie: Chance all right?

Lauren: Not sure. Going to hospital for eval. Conscious, complaining

Cassie: Can I do anything?

Lauren: Don’t think so. Will check in with you after the game.

Cassie waited until Amelie stopped by the table to quench her thirst before she told her about Chance.

“OMG! We need to go to the hospital. He’s all alone.” She drained the contents of her glass and grabbed Cassie’s arm. “Let’s go.”

She ignored the slightly slurred words. “I don’t know where they took Chance. Lauren will call when she knows something.”

Amelie stared at her. “How can you just sit there so calm?”

“He didn’t leave the ice on a gurney, Amelie.” Cassie reached for her purse. “Have you settled your bill? By the time you get home, Cam should have an update.”

“Soooo, no more dancing for you?” Amelie’s worried expression morphed into a pout.

Cassie chose not to mention that she’d never left the table. “I’m tired. I think I should go home and relieve Caryn with the twins.”

“Go ahead. I’ll call Uber when I’m ready to leave.”

“Seriously, Amelie? You don’t want to get into an Uber alone. Come on, I’ll drop you off.”

Amelie rolled her eyes. “Yes, mother.”

Cassie’s cheeks burned as she led Amelie from the sports bar.Wow, she’s as self-absorbed as her twin. Acts like I’m the Fun Police.

They drove in silence to Cam’s condo, and Amelie exited the car with a muttered, “See you later, Cass.”

* * *

After the game, Tom stopped by the hospital to check on Gagné. Once assured that no complications appeared on the scan, he looked for Lucas Blakely in the designated waiting area. John and Kelly Peterson arrived as Tom spotted Lucas. He updated the trio and tried again to obtain information on Gagné’s family.

“There’s nothing in his medical file,” Lucas said.

“Never talks about himself either,” John added.

“Who’d he list as emergency contacts?”

“Micky and Minnie Mouse.”

Tom shook his head. “That needs to change. I know the guys don’t take this seriously or think they could get hurt. I hate that we have no family contact information.”

“I’ll see if Pettit can touch base with his former team,” Lucas said as he pulled his phone from his jacket pocket.

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